Léon Espinosa

Who was Léon Espinosa?

Leon Espinosa Born in The Hague, the Netherlands of Spanish parents. Léon Espinosa’s early interest in dance was encouraged by a succession of outstanding teachers including Jean Coralli, Filippo Taglioni, and Jules Perrot during his time at the Paris Opéra Ballet.

Léon became one of the most extraordinary dancers of his period. He became popular with Paris audiences before moving to Moscow where he worked with the legendary Marius Petipa. In 1872 he moved to London where he continued to dance, while producing at Covent Garden and many theatres worldwide. He also taught and became a much sought-after teacher.

One anecdote has Léon captured by Native Americans in 1850 when he was on tour in the USA.